The Kebbi State Police Command has successfully apprehended a group of suspected ritualists and armed robbers in two separate operations, reinforcing its dedication to combating criminal activities and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.
In a detailed statement released on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, outlined the circumstances surrounding the arrests. He disclosed that a police team in Koko town, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a tactical operation on February 4, 2025, at approximately 7:00 PM, leading to the capture of a group of individuals suspected of engaging in ritualistic activities and financial fraud.
The suspects, identified as Bello Abubakar, Jamilu Bello, Safiyanu Bello, Usman Inda, and an accomplice still at large, Idrisu Yauri, allegedly conspired to deceive one Shamsu Adamu into parting with a sum of ₦2,025,000 under the pretense of printing CFA currency purportedly worth thirty million.
As stated in the report, when Adamu could not provide additional funds as demanded by the suspects, they allegedly resorted to threats, warning him of severe consequences unless he procured a child for sacrifice. Fearing for his safety, Adamu, under duress, handed over his 4-year-old daughter, Amina Shamsu, to the suspects.
Fortunately, operatives from the Koko Divisional Police Headquarters, acting swiftly on a tip-off, stormed the location where the ritualists were operating and apprehended them before they could harm the child. During the operation, several items suspected to be ritualistic materials were seized, including a calabash, white and black clothing, three bottles of local perfume, and various charms believed to be used in their illicit activities.
In another decisive police intervention, a separate criminal incident took place on February 9, 2025, at approximately 8:00 PM, when a commercial motorcyclist, Abubakar Muhammad, and his passengers, Abdullahi Bello and Jamilu Adamu, were ambushed by four armed robbers while en route to Unguwar Mairago village in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area.
According to reports, the assailants, armed with sticks and knives, viciously attacked the victims and attempted to rob them. However, their cries for help attracted the attention of nearby police officers stationed at a checkpoint, who quickly mobilized to the scene. Upon arrival, the police were able to apprehend two of the attackers, later identified as Bashar Abdullahi and Babangida Hassan, while the remaining two suspects managed to escape into the surrounding bush.
A knife was recovered from the scene of the attack, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing criminals. The arrested suspects are currently in police custody, undergoing interrogation as part of an ongoing investigation.
Expressing his appreciation for the swift and efficient response of his officers, Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, commended their commitment to duty and urged all personnel within the command to remain vigilant and proactive in responding to distress calls from the public.
The Commissioner further directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), to intensify efforts in tracking down the remaining suspects and ensure that all perpetrators involved in these crimes face the full weight of the law.
Reiterating the police force’s unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order in Kebbi State, CP Sani called on residents to remain security-conscious and promptly report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. He assured the public that the police would continue working tirelessly to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure a safer environment for all.